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Cobra HM381 Manual Cylinder Mower


Val has been gardening since she could hold a trowel, but only began her career in horticulture after working for three years in a civil service office. The discovery that it was possible to follow a career in gardening was a revelation.

Her pre-college year was spent in a local authority parks department, working on the nursery, on the floral display team and in the botanic garden before going on to complete an OND course in Amenity Horticulture at Askham Bryan College, York. This involved a working middle year, which was spent at a nursery producing hardy plants, houseplants and potted bulbs for DIY stores and large shops.

After moving to Essex when Steve changed jobs, Val worked for Cramphorn's at their flagship garden centre on the outdoor plants area - and, ironically, met Peter Seabrook, although only in passing. This was followed by working at Wisley Gardens and on both hardy plant and bedding plant nurseries, to fit in around two young sons.

Val has taught gardening at night school, answered live phone-in questions on local BBC radio, written for various magazines and written (or co-written) 12 books. She also acts as editor for Steve.

She and Steve have worked for The Sun newspaper for over 20 years, writing the Gardening page with Peter Seabrook and answering hundreds of readers' letters every year.

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Articles by Val:


Top 10 Ways to Buy a Good Plant
Top 10 Trees for Stem Colour
Top 10 Tips on Feeding Plants
Top 10 Plants for Ground Cover
Top 10 Plants for an Exposed Site
Top 10 Bulbs & Corms for Late Spring
Top 10 Bulbs & Corms for Early Spring
Top 10 Bulbs & Corms for Summer Colour
Top 10 Tips on Choosing a Container
Plants GUARANTEED to Brighten your Winter
Review of 'Foggy Bottom: A Garden to Share'
Easter in the Garden
Alpines: No Space? No problem!
Taking the Pip
What is a Nematode?
Putting on a Show (Win Tickets)
Honey Fungus: A Sticky Issue
We're Working with Grazers
The People Producing Petunia Perfection
Book Review: RHS Collage the Botanical World
Newby Hall & Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Top 10 Plants for Coastal Gardens
Top 10 Tips for Designing a Small Garden
Book Review: The Kew Gardener's Guide to Grow Alpines
Top 10 Plants for Hedging
Top 10 Plants Year round Fragrance
Top 10 Plants for Dry Areas
Top 10 Plants for Security
Sowing the Seeds of Success
When Life Gives You Lemons
Top 10 Grapes for Outdoors in the UK
Book review: Chrysanthemums by Naomi Slade
Top 10 Plants for a North-facing Position
Book Review: Plants & Fungi - The Definitive Visual Guide
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show: Blooming Despite a Mixed Summer
The Top 10 Easiest Herbs to Grow
Top 10 Gardening Gifts for Christmas 2024

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